Today is the second day of the Forensic Science Workshop. Jabeen starts out the day introducing what DNA is. The kids start out the afternoon with an activity involving DNA profiling. Jabeen hands out tubes to the kids that contain DNA samples of chopped-up leaves and plants mixed with dish-washing detergent. Then Jabeen pours rubbing alcohol in the tube with the other ingredients. By doing so, the DNA particles will surface. The kids set aside the tubes with DNA in them and Jabeen goes on to describe how scientists use DNA for genetic research and how detectives use DNA samples to detect criminals and those who are involved with crimes.
Now the kids are using computers to explore the aspects of Electrophoresis. The kids are encouraged to conduct their own gel electrophoresis experiment to understand how scientists work with tiny molecules through the sorting and measuring of DNA. Taking part in this activity will help the kids be able to measure and experiment with DNA samples at their own homes.
The next activity that the kids partake in involves them using DNA profiling to solve a mystery. The kids discover that DNA profiling can be used to determine if a suspect is actually the criminal or not. DNA can also be used in finding missing persons as well.
Now, the kids complete the first activity involving the test tubes that they started before. They use a medicine dropper to draw up the actual leaves that have surfaced in the tube, leaving a clean white thick liquid that contains the leftover DNA. Tomorrow, the kids will put the thick 'DNA liquid' into a gel to further the process.
Jabeen next goes on to discuss the ethics of DNA. She helps the kids to understand thathonesty really comes into play especially in court trials where DNA is used to prove a point/case.
The kids are next encouraged to use their deductive reasoning to solve problems or mysteries. They are given a puzzle to solve using deductive reasoning. They are all given the same amount of time to figure out the puzzle. They are not told how to go about solving the puzzle, however, it is through the use of deductive reasoning that they will find ways to solve the given problem. The kids were helped to understand that scientists and detectives use methods such as these to solve problems that may not have direct answers. Next, the kids are given another logic problem like the first, but this one seems to be harder, and requires more thought and collaboration with other people. Eventually, they are given answer sheets to check their results.
Students close the day by typing in their reflections.